Browse Medical Laboratory Calculators
Valproic Acid Unit Converter
Valproic Acid (Valproate, Depakote) is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug used to treat seizures, bipolar disorder, and migraine prevention. Because of its complex pharmacokinetics and potential for toxicity, monitoring serum levels is essential.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) helps ensure efficacy while preventing adverse effects like hepatotoxicity and thrombocytopenia. This converter facilitates switching between standard mass units (μg/mL, mg/L) and SI molar units (μmol/L).
Mass Units
StandardMicrograms per milliliter (Numerically equivalent to mg/L).
SI / Molar Units
Micromoles per liter (International Standard).
Clinical Context
Therapeutic Range (Trough):
• Seizures: 50 – 100 μg/mL (350 – 700 μmol/L).
• Mania: 50 – 125 μg/mL.
Note on Protein Binding: Valproic acid is highly protein-bound (approx 90%). Binding becomes saturated at higher concentrations (>100 μg/mL), leading to a disproportionate increase in Free Valproic Acid, which is the active and toxic form. In hypoalbuminemia (low albumin), total levels may appear normal while free levels are toxic.
Conversion Logic:
Molecular Weight of Valproic Acid: 144.21 g/mol.
1 μg/mL ≈ 6.93 μmol/L.
1 μmol/L ≈ 0.144 μg/mL.
Clinical References
How to Use This Converter
Follow these steps to normalize Valproic Acid values.
Enter Values
Input your laboratory result into the corresponding unit field (e.g., μg/mL).
Automatic Conversion
The calculator converts between mass units and the SI molar unit using the molecular weight of 144.21 g/mol.
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. 1 microgram per milliliter is numerically identical to 1 milligram per liter.
Trough levels are typically drawn immediately before the next dose is due (e.g., in the morning before medication).